McCarran International Airport

SHOPPING, DEALS AND OTHER SERVICES

Getting around the airport

Two terminals, a people mover and a shuttle bus

It has two separate terminal buildings, Terminals 1 and 3 (Terminal 2 closed in 2012). There's also a satellite building, Concourse D, containing D gates and three VIP lounges, which is shared between both terminals:

Getting into Las Vegas

Taxi for comfort, WAX bus for cost

How you get to Las Vegas very much depends on how much time you have and how much you're willing to spend. It's a fairly short journey (though traffic can be heavy), and a taxi is many people's preferred option. It's far cheaper by bus, but a longer journey.

There is no train to the city, but a monorail connection is planned in the coming years.

Skip the 108 or 109 local buses, take the Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) bus – it'll get you there quicker. Buses are run by the Regional Transport Commision of Southern Nevada (RTC), and leave once every 30 minutes during peak times, and every hour at off-peak times from around 05:45-11:45. Journey time is around 10 minutes to the strip (Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard) and 30 minutes to downtown Las Vegas.

As it's Las Vegas, you may want to arrive in the city in style. You can take a stretched limo (or sedan, or SUV) straight from the airport with many companies. You can usually make arrangements with your hotel in advance.

Cost: Around USD 70 Location: Terminal 1, baggage claim, west side and Terminal 3, Level 0, west end of building

Save time at Terminal 3

Automated passport control kiosks

Citizens or nationals from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and 38 countries participating in the US visa waiver program are eligible to use the automated passport control kiosks. You will be asked to complete the questionnaire at the kiosk and your photo will be taken to complete the process. Take the printed receipt to the checkpoint for final clearance.

For departures, Terminal 3 also offers new self-boarding podiums that allow passengers to scan their boarding pass and enter a secured door without the help of an attendant.

Beware of taxi scams

Don’t get 'long-hauled'

Taxi drivers have been to known to take a longer route to and from the airport in order to boost fares. In order to avoid being 'long-hauled', simply tell the driver where you want to go and say, “no tunnel”. The driver should not take the Interstate and the fare should be no higher than USD 17 to Mandalay Bay as per the Taxi Commission.

If you suspect you have been scammed, seek assistance from the valet at your hotel or contact the Nevada Taxicab Authority before you pay.

Gambling at the airport

Slot machines everywhere

Las Vegas is the world capital of gambling, so it only seems logical that the gambling starts at the airport already.

There are slot machines all over the airport. They're waiting for travellers with some remaining currency to offload, or with a desire to pay their first tribute to the gambling gods right after landing in Vegas. You can even gamble at the slots next to the carousels while waiting for your luggage to arrive.

Showers

Two available, for a price

There are showers in two of the airport's lounges:

Centurion LoungeExclusively for American Express cardholders. Provides free toiletries and even a heated towel warmer. Tip: there's only one shower, so ask for it straight away to make sure you don't have to queue for long. Cost: USD 50 (free for Platinum cardholders).Airside, Concourse DHours: 05:00-00:00.

United Services Organization (USO) Lounge, airside, near Gates A and B. For members of the military and their families. Offers Wi-Fi, video games, TV lounge, toiletries, snacks and more. Hours: 24 hours.

A trip to the Strip

On a layover

The infamous Las Vegas Strip is only a few miles away from the airport, so a long layover may mean you’ve got enough time to see a few sights by using a taxi.

Be aware that McCarran Airport typically has long security checkpoint lines and there can be delays getting to and from the airport. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport if you plan on exploring the Las Vegas strip in between flights.

The Aviation Museum

The history of flight

If you'd rather skip the slot machines and learn more about the planes you're flying in, head to the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum. Aviation lovers will enjoy exploring 3,000 square feet of rich exhibits detailing the aviation history of southern Nevada.

Kid’s play area

Near Concourse D

Flight delays and layovers can be tough on kids and they certainly can’t enjoy Las Vegas’ other activities! The play area features an interactive mini control tower and mock jet engine, offering children an opportunity to stretch their muscles and imaginations.